The Apostles' Creed

The Symbolum Apostolorum was developed between the second and ninth centuries.
It is the most popular creed used in worship by Western Christians. Its central doctrines
are those of the Trinity and God the Creator. It has been called the Creed of
Creeds.

Legend has it that the Apostles wrote this creed on the tenth day after Christ's
ascension into heaven. That is not the case, though the name stuck. However, each of the
doctrines found in the creed can be traced to statements current in the apostolic period.
The earliest written version of the creed is perhaps the Interrogatory Creed of
Hippolytus (ca. A.D. 215). The current form is first found in the writings of Caesarius
of Arles (d 542).

The creed was apparently used as a summary of Christian doctrine for baptismal
candidates in the churches of Rome. Hence it is also known as The Roman Symbol. As
in Hippolytus' version it was given in question and answer format with the baptismal
candidates answering in the affirmative that they believed each statement.

Note: The Greek font used for the above text does not have a
complete set of accents. If you do not see Greek at all perhaps your browser is not set up
properly. See the following page. Viewing Greek text in Windows 95.

Traditional
English Version

I believe in God the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven
and earth.

And in Jesus Christ his only Son our Lord; who was conceived by the Holy Ghost, born of
the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, dead, and buried; he
descended into hell; the third day he rose again from the dead; he ascended into heaven,
and sitteth on the right hand of God the Father Almighty; from thence he shall come to
judge the quick and the dead.

I believe in the Holy Ghost; the holy catholic Church; the communion of saints; the
forgiveness of sins; the resurrection of the body; and the life everlasting. AMEN.

Modern English Version

I
believe in God, the Father almighty,
creator of heaven and earth.

I believe in Jesus Christ, God's only Son, our Lord,
who was conceived by the Holy Spirit,
born of the Virgin Mary,
suffered under Pontius Pilate,
was crucified, died, and was buried;
he descended to the dead.
On the third day he rose again;
he ascended into heaven,
he is seated at the right hand of the Father,
and he will come again to judge the living and the dead.

I believe in the Holy Spirit,
the holy catholic church,
the communion of saints,
the forgiveness of sins,
the resurrection of the body,
and the life everlasting. AMEN.